The Portuguese ace has been linked with an Old Trafford return in the past few months but Real director Butragueno has made it clear that his contract situation and his love for Madrid will make it hard for Ronaldo to leave.

"Cristiano is under contract and we are very happy with him," he said.

"We are delighted he is at Madrid because he is a fantastic professional, and very ambitious in a positive way.

"His contribution to the team and the club has been amazing since he arrived.

"We are very grateful he came to us and are lucky he plays for Real Madrid."

About the author

Andrew Slevison is an avid sports fan, particularly of the world game. The Melbourne, Australia native, who has spent time living in London and travelling South America, takes a keen interest in the English Premier League and Major League Soccer and rates his best live footballing moment as the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil.